LONDON — Australia suffered a dramatic second-innings batting collapse on Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, leaving the match—and the prestigious title—hanging in the balance.
A Stunning Turn of Events
Australia, who had dominated the first three days at The Oval, were bowled out for just 123 in their second innings, setting India a target of 444. The collapse, triggered by a fiery spell from Mohammed Shami (4-45) and disciplined bowling from Ravindra Jadeja (3-33), saw Australia lose 7 wickets for 54 runs in a chaotic session. "It was like watching a house of cards fall," remarked former England captain Michael Atherton on commentary.
Key moments in the collapse included:
- Steve Smith (34) edging Shami to slip, ending a crucial partnership with Marnus Labuschagne.
- Labuschagne (41) falling to Jadeja, caught at short leg after a misjudged sweep.
- Alex Carey (5) and Pat Cummins (5) both nicking behind off Shami in quick succession.
- Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon adding just 12 runs between them before India wrapped up the tail.
India’s Uphill Battle
At stumps on Day 4, India reached 164/3, needing another 280 runs on the final day. Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (20*) remained unbeaten, but the task ahead is monumental. No team has ever chased more than 418 in Test cricket (West Indies vs Australia, 2003). "It’s not impossible, but history is against them," said Sunil Gavaskar in the post-match analysis.
India’s openers provided a solid start, with Rohit Sharma (43) and Shubman Gill (18) putting on 41. However, Scott Boland’s relentless accuracy removed Gill, while Cameron Green’s stunning one-handed catch at gully dismissed Rohit off Cummins. Cheteshwar Pujara (27) fell to Lyon, leaving India at 93/3 before Kohli and Rahane steadied the innings.
Key Factors for Day 5
India’s hopes hinge on:
- Kohli’s form—he has looked composed and is key to a successful chase.
- Rahane’s resilience—his counterattacking approach could disrupt Australia’s plans.
- The pitch—while still good for batting, variable bounce could come into play.
- Australia’s fatigue—their bowlers, especially Cummins and Starc, have heavy workloads.
Australia’s Missed Opportunity
Despite their collapse, Australia remain favorites, but their inability to bat India out of the game has left the door ajar. "We should have put 500 on the board and shut them out," admitted Steve Smith in the post-day press conference. "Now we’ve got a real scrap on our hands."
Pat Cummins’ decision not to enforce the follow-on after bowling India out for 296 in their first innings has also come under scrutiny. Australia led by 173 but chose to bat again, a move that backfired when their middle order crumbled. "Hindsight is 20/20, but they might regret not going for the kill," said Ricky Ponting.
Historical Context
This is the second edition of the WTC final, with New Zealand winning the inaugural title in 2021. Australia, who topped the 2021-23 cycle standings, were heavy favorites coming into the match. India, meanwhile, are desperate to shed their reputation as nearly-men in ICC events, having lost the 2021 WTC final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
A win for India would be their first ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy and cement their status as the best all-format team. For Australia, it would cap a dominant 18-month period that included retaining the Ashes and winning the ODI World Cup.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Finale Awaits
Day 5 promises high drama. India need 280 more runs with 7 wickets in hand, while Australia require just 7 wickets to lift the mace. The match could hinge on the first hour—if Kohli and Rahane survive, India will believe. If Australia strike early, the trophy is theirs. "This is why Test cricket is the greatest format," tweeted Sachin Tendulkar. "Anything can happen."
Weather is not expected to play a role, with clear skies forecast. The stage is set for a classic finish, with the World Test Championship’s future narrative hanging in the balance. Will India pull off a miracle, or will Australia hold their nerve? Tune in to find out.